The U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be a roadblock for many students vying for financial aid, especially those who are first-generation or come from low-income households. Financial aid can be complex, and while the process has been simplified with a recent overhaul, it’s still a task that students and families can find daunting.
Luckily for College Possible students, each one has a dedicated coach to guide them through the financial aid process. They also have access to Coach Possible, an AI-powered coaching solution that provides 24/7 support for FAFSA questions. From identifying required documents to receiving task reminders and participating in one-on-one or group sessions for students and their families, College Possible prioritizes FAFSA completion for high school seniors and college students.
Federal loans are just one source of financial aid. When combined with state and local aid, scholarships, and grants, many students discover they can graduate with minimal or no debt. That support makes a real difference: according to a 2024 alumni survey, more than half of College Possible alumni graduate with zero to less than $10,000 in student loan debt. Completing the FAFSA is often one of the first steps that helps set students up for long-term success.
An Earlier Start Gives Students and Coaches Much Needed Time
Despite promises made about the reworked FAFSA, the initial roll-out in 2024 faced huge setbacks including a delayed launch, technical difficulties, and a lack of resources made evident by the nearly 4 million calls to the Department of Education which went unanswered (NPR, 2024). After last year’s site improvements and beta testing, the FAFSA process improved greatly. This year, the 2026–2027 FAFSA was introduced even earlier, giving students and families a headstart on the application and to learn where they stand financially.
So far for the 2026-2027 academic year, 2,972 College Possible students have applied for financial aid. This is up 266% from the previous year. College Possible’s coaches and advisors are grateful for the early rollout, online resources and this year’s additional support from our generative AI-powered solution, Coach Possible. “Over 75 FAFSA inquiries have been handled by ‘Coach,’ so far, providing students with timely responses and allowing human coaches to dive into the specifics and nuances of situations that are outside of a basic application,” says Rowan Tanner, director of college access at College Possible.
Sarah Fielder, a national advising specialist, is feeling positive about this year’s progress, “Students were nervous at the beginning of the year about what was going on with FAFSA, but feedback has been great. Our pushes to get FAFSAs submitted before the priority deadline were really effective, so we’re making a difference.”
Ongoing Support and Resources
College Possible coaching, the Coach Possible solution, and government resources have helped drive FAFSA applications for thousands of students. Aside from free expert advice, resources and videos available on studentaid.gov and YouTube are also instrumental in helping students through the process, including the:
Federal Student Aid Estimator: This tool provides an estimate of the 2026–27 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Federal Pell Grant eligibility, helping students gauge potential financial aid.
Pro tip: Federal Pell Grants are for students who demonstrate the most significant financial need, and do not need to be repaid.
“Who’s my FAFSA Parent?” Wizard: A stand-alone tool designed to help students and families determine who needs to provide contributor information on the FAFSA form before starting the application.
“Next Steps After Submitting Your FAFSA Form” Playlist: A series of videos that walk students through expectations once forms are submitted, including how to accept financial aid and determine net cost.
Timing Is Important
Federal aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so waiting comes at a cost. Students and families are encouraged to complete the FAFSA form as early as possible to maximize their financial aid opportunities. The form is available at the Federal Student Aid website (studentaid.gov), along with additional free support, as well as through 1:1 coaching with College Possible expert staff, and 24/7 support through Coach Possible.
Pro tip: As the name indicates, the application is free. Students and families should avoid any websites or platforms that indicate there is a charge for accessing/utilizing services.
